CBS Reveals the Shocking Way They're Explaining Erinn Hayes' 'Kevin Can Wait' Exit

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CBS


Kevin Can Wait
parted ways with series regular Erinn Hayes after one season and now, it's been revealed how her sudden absence will be explained.

Hayes played Kevin James' wife, Donna, on the first season of the CBS half-hour comedy. But in June, it was announced that James' King of Queens co-star and former TV wife, Leah Remini, would be promoted to series regular and that Hayes would be exiting as a result.

RELATED: Leah Remini Join​s​ Kevin James as Series Regular on 'Kevin Can Wait'

CBS programming executive Thom Sherman revealed on Tuesday at the Television Critics Association press tour that Hayes' character will be killed off, leaving no real opportunity for the actress to reprise her role down the line.

“The character will have passed away, and we will be moving forward in time, catching up at a later date," Sherman said in revealing the surprising season two news.

Hayes confirmed her departure from the show in June, tweeting, "True, I've been let go from the show. Very sad, I had a great experience season 1. Thank you for all the support from our wonderful fans."

RELATED: Kevin James and Leah Remini Talk 'King of Queens' Reunion on 'Kevin Can Wait'

When asked if this was their way of redoing King of Queens without attaining the moniker, CBS executives bristled at the notion.

"I don’t think so," Sherman said. "The show speaks for itself and stands for itself. Obviously, the chemistry [between Kevin James and Leah Remini] was amazing in the stunt episodes.”


Kevin Can Wait
premieres Monday, Sept. 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.